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Job Safety Analysis
The Most Important Safety Analyst is You!

There are many types of analysts, and their duties are varied. But perhaps the most important analyst in your life is you.

When something is analyzed, each of its parts is given a close examination. Such is the case when a Job Safety Analysis is made. Each step of the job is broken down to pinpoint safety hazards involved in doing it.

Most of us don’t have time to completely analyze our jobs. This is usually an assignment that is given to a safety professional or someone with similar responsibilities. However, we should all be aware of potential hazards connected with our jobs, and this awareness should become second nature to us.

So let’s take a look at some of the elements of a job safety analysis. I’m sure you’ll recognize at least a few of the elements as thing that you are already concerned with.

Motions, positions and actions often result in injuries, and their consideration is significant to safety. People who reach over moving equipment or objects are vulnerable to injuries and reaching beyond the range of clear vision is also a dangerous practice.

Other items in this category include motions too rapid for conditions, off-balance positions, incorrect posture while lifting or handling objects, and positions which are hazardous in relation to machines or other workers.

Looking into the job safety analysis further, we find that both physical and equipment hazards may be present. Problems around equipment and machinery develop at points of operation or around flywheels, gears, shafts, pulleys, keyways, belts, sprocket chains and so on.

In addition, other important concerns are the operation of brakes and exhausts. Activities such as feeding, oiling, adjusting, grounding and maintenance also have to be observed for possible hazards.

Other hazards include tools that are too long, too short, have faulty design, or are in poor repair. And certainly guards that do not give adequate protection are perils to your safety.

Faulty layout of work areas may cause hand and foot injuries in material handling operations. Poor work area arrangement can also be responsible for strains from lifting.

Safe housekeeping is important in all types of employment. It is also very predictable. Without it, a safety program won’t be successful. Housekeeping problems often involve waste disposal, tool storage, misplaced objects and materials, and leakage and spillage. Windows, ledges and storage areas should not be overlooked in examining job hazards, particularly if storage involves flammable.

So you have to plan ahead and think your job through. That’s being safety-minded.

In addition, a safety-minded person will do the following: Follow instructions; correct unsafe conditions, if authorized, or report them to the supervisor; avoid horseplay and distracting others; comply with safety rules and safe practices; practice good housekeeping; use the right tool for the job; lift properly; use proper protective equipment; operate, adjust or repair equipment only when authorized.

If an accident should occur and you are requested to supply information to help analyze it, or if your job is being analyzed for safety, keep in mind that your cooperation will contribute to your own security and the success of your overall safety program.

Reprinted from MIOSHA Reporter, Jan. 1997
"Job Safety Analysis", 5-Minute Safety Talk #72
Safety Education & Training Division

Article Provided by: The Argus Group

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